Danao City, Cebu
7 July 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (BAKUD) Party to the Liberal Party during the signing of a coalition agreement between BAKUD President and Cebu District V Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI and LP President and Transportation & Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas III.

In his speech, the President said that the alliance of both parties will assure the realization of beneficial and massive reforms in governance. “Ngayon, sa paglawig ng ating samahan, nabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang bawat Cebuano na mabakunahan, makapasok sa paaralan at makauwi sa bahay na may ilaw. Sinisiguro nating ang bawat hapag ay may pagkain; ang bawat pamilya, may maaasahang kabuhayan; ang bawat bayan at lalawigan, hinidi maiiwan sa tuwid na daan,” he said.

He also reported that through the principles of “Tuwid na Daan”, his government achieved the increase of 6.4 percent GDP growth rate, electrification of additional 1,500 sitios, coverage of 3.1 million Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, lowering of self-rated poverty statistics by 51 percent and provision of 30,801 nurses in far-flung areas all over the country.

President Aquino also witnessed the oath-taking of Danao City Vice Mayor and birthday celebrator Ramon “Nito” Durano III as a new member of the Liberal Party. With this, Vice Mayor Nito Durano expressed his full support and enthusiasm in working with LP. “I stand proud to be a part of this party,” he stated.

The President was accompanied by Sen. Franklin Drilon, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rozzano Ruffino “Ruffy” Biazon.

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